He's counting on it, because not only is he desperate to get back on the air – he has been the club's TV analyst since 1986 – he longs to don the winged-wheel jersey once again during one of the Winter Classic alumni games Dec. 31 at Comerica Park. The Jan. 1 outdoor game between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium and all the festivities leading up to it are in danger of being canceled if a CBA isn't in place by next month.

That would be devastating to Redmond, for several reasons.

“As soon as (the Winter Classic) was announced, I couldn't wait to start to work out, skate, get treatment, get this old body at least half back in shape,'' Redmond said. “I'm really looking forward to that week in downtown Detroit.

“I just think that by Thanksgiving we're going to be playing. My glass is half full that we don't lose the Classic, we don't lose the season like we did in '05. It would be a shame for everybody.''

Redmond said he felt like he lost 18 months of his life in 2004-05, when the season was scrapped due to labor strife.

“It was terrible,'' Redmond said. “You're sitting there waiting every day that there's going to be a deal and you're spinning your wheels and kind of wasting your time. I don't want to make that same mistake again.

“So far, I've been OK. Sure, I miss getting ready and getting my homework done and getting behind that microphone and have the fun of the game be right in front of me.''

While waiting for a resolution, Redmond skates twice a week, playing pick-up games with “guys who love the play the game.''

“Some of them are coming during their lunch hour to get a big sweat on and go back to work,'' Redmond said. “It's pretty amazing that the game of hockey is so well-liked by a lot of people, especially here in Michigan.''

“I think it's very hard for players to get it to the level they need to get it to without the urgency of their livelihood being on the line,'' Redmond said. “It gets old awfully quick. You can get it to a certain level, and they are, but there's that next level that's just impossible to get to until everything's on the line at the highest level -- the competition, your job, and that's what everybody is hoping to get back to.''

He said it's unfortunate that so many people who rely on hockey are hurt by the work stoppage.

“The people in Michigan are wonderful hockey fans, and for us in the business it's as good as it gets,'' Redmond said. “Being around here, people just love the game, at any level. It's the greatest game in the world, whether it's played by 5-year-olds or 85-year-olds. It's wonderful competition and camaraderie.